Dumfries

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The GuardianOct 22, 2026

10 nightime attractions around the UK this autumn

The clocks go back this weekend, so embrace the longer nights with these family-friendly activities and events, from a stargazing festival to moonlit crazy golf Legend has it that Faskally Forest – the Pitlochry location of Scotland’s most famous sound and light show – steals an hour from time itself every 25 years. This year marks a quarter of a century since the first Enchanted Forest, and th…

21 things in this story
  • RSPB MerseheadNature reserveBadger banquets to observe shy mammals feeding
  • Elsewhere
  • Faskally ForestSightPitlochry, United KingdomScotland’s most famous sound and light show
  • Enchanted ForestFestivalPitlochry, United KingdomTheme taps into the legend: Stop the Clock: The 25th Hour
  • Grassholme ObservatorySightBarnard Castle, United KingdomFamily astronomy event during dark skies festival
  • North PenninesNeighborhoodBarnard Castle, United KingdomRegion has some of the darkest skies in the country
  • River of LightFestivalLiverpool, United KingdomAnnual free outdoor light art festival along Mersey banks
  • Cunard BuildingAttractionLiverpool, United KingdomIt is located at the Pier Head and along with the neighbouring Royal Liver Building and Port of Liverpool Building is…
  • Williamson SquareSightLiverpool, United KingdomIt was initially laid out as a residential square in the 1745 by Mr Williamson.
  • RSPB Frampton MarshSightBoston, United KingdomSunset walk to look for hunting owls and marsh harriers
  • Sevenoaks Wildlife ReserveNature reserveSevenoaks, United KingdomFamily bat detecting event with guided night hike
  • Slimbridge wetland centreZooSlimbridge, United KingdomLantern trail with giant creatures inspired by wildlife
  • Kingfisher KitchenRestaurantSlimbridge, United KingdomStreet food available before lantern trail
  • Lightpool festivalFestivalBlackpool, United KingdomInteractive installations, illuminated artworks, live performances
  • Winter GardensAttractionBlackpool, United KingdomExplore Winter Gardens Blackpool: An iconic venue, home to the biggest shows, conferences, festivals and events!
  • Go ApeSightVarious, United KingdomHigh ropes courses open for evening adventure
  • Heatherton World of ActivitiesSightTenby, United KingdomOffers moonlit crazy golf and zipline
  • Bluebell RailwaySightSheffield Park, United KingdomImmersive rail adventure to unravel a mystery
  • World of DinosaursSightHertfordshire, United KingdomJurassic Park-style adventure with animatronic dinosaurs
  • North Pennines stargazing festivalFestivalBarnard Castle, United KingdomDark skies festival with astronomy events
  • Nocturnal wildlife adventuresPlaceVarious, United KingdomLate openings and events to enjoy nocturnal species
  • Mystical Marsh Lantern ExperienceFestivalSlimbridge, United KingdomLantern trail at Slimbridge wetland centre
Read the full piece at The Guardian →

National GeographicSep 17

5 of the Best Dark Sky Destinations in Europe for Stargazing

From the Canaries to the Scottish Borders, Europe is dotted with remote landscapes where exceptionally dark skies make stargazing an unforgettable part of the journey.

11 sights in this story
  • Galloway Forest ParkSightOver 7,000 stars and planets visible with the naked eye.
  • Clatteringshaws LochSightIt was created by damming the Galloway River Dee as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.
  • GlentroolSightThe mountain bike routes are part of the 7Stanes project by Forestry and Land Scotland throughout the Scottish Borders…
  • Stroan LochSight
  • Elsewhere
  • Kerry International Dark Sky ReserveSightKerry, IrelandFirst Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve in Northern Hemisphere.
  • Syrjävaara Dark Sky CenterSightSyrjävaara, FinlandReceived Finland’s first international Dark Sky Park certification.
  • Roque de los Muchachos ObservatorySightLa Palma, SpainPerimeter closed at night, but viewpoints nearby offer free stargazing.
  • Bannau Brycheiniog National ParkSightBrecon, United KingdomMountains become silhouettes, nocturnal wildlife takes over at night.
  • Usk ReservoirSightBrecon, United KingdomThe county boundary between Carmarthenshire and Powys runs through the reservoir which lies about six miles to the…
  • Llanthony PriorySightBrecon, United KingdomIt lies seven miles north of Abergavenny on an old road to…
  • Hay BluffSightBrecon, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at National Geographic →
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